Issues & Ale

Education reform is a hot topic, but exactly how to improve our public education system is subject to debate. Throughout 2012, The Center for Michigan conducted hundreds of community conversations across Michigan to get input from citizens about the state of K-12 education and how it can be improved. At this Issues & Ale event, we discussed the findings from their report: “THE PUBLIC’S AGENDA FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION: How Michigan citizens want to improve student learning” and heard from experts on the subject of education reform. Dozens of educators and parents also voiced their concerns and questions on the subject.

Michigan Radio Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry hosted this discussion.

Issues and Ale is an event series co-sponsored by Michigan Radio and the Center for Michigan designed to engage people in conversations about important issues facing Michigan... in an informal atmosphere. Stop by, have a drink, and join in the discussion with your questions and comments.

As the November election draws closer, you'll be seeing and hearing more political ads that stretch the truth...or contain outright lies and distortions. Join Michigan Radio political analyst Jack Lessenberry, investigative reporter Lester Graham, and the Center for Michigan's Truth Squad for a look at the fact and fiction behind the political ads you're seeing.

How much of a threat do Asian carp pose for the Great Lakes and what effect could they have on recreation and the fishing industry? Is harvesting the fish a way to solve the problem? What is being done now and what are the future options to keep this invasive species in check?

Nearly one out of four children in Michigan live in poverty. And 42 percent of children raised in poverty stay in poverty as adults. What does it mean for kids who are faced with serious disadvantages from an early age, from birth outcomes to nutrition to education? Can the future be different for them? And what beliefs do we have about what it means to live in poverty that affect the way policy is shaped, for better or worse?

Michigan Radio's Jennifer White will host this discussion exploring these questions, as we look to define the problem of poverty in Michigan. This is the first community event in Michigan Radio’s “State of Opportunity” project. Over the next three years, Michigan Radio is taking an in-depth look at the challenges facing Michigan families living in poverty but also at the potential for clearing that path to success for Michigan’s most vulnerable kids.

The event was part of the station’s Issues & Ale series, and was held at Blackstone’s Pub & Grill in downtown Flint.

Panelists included:

Fred Leeb, former Emergency Financial Manager for the city of Pontiac,

Dr. Eric Scorsone, Co-Director of the State & Local Government Program at Michigan State University,

and Brandon A. Jessup, Chairman and CEO of Michigan Forward

The panelists fielded questions from both Lessenberry and the audience on a variety of subjects related to Public Act 4, including the impact of state revenue sharing cuts, the constitutionality of state appointed emergency managers, and alternatives for cities in financial crisis.

We also surveyed the audience to get their opinion on the Emergency Manager law.

Of those responding,

47% opposed the law, 23% were in favor, and 30% were undecided.

Of those opposed to the law, 36% felt it was unconstitutional, 26% objected because it gives emergency managers too much power, 18% opposed because emergency managers can modify/terminate contracts, and 13% because it strips local elected officials of their authority.

Issues and Ale is an event series co-sponsored by Michigan Radio and the Center for Michigan designed to engage people in conversations about important issues facing Michigan... in an informal atmosphere.

Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law has sparked debate, national news coverage, and a petition drive to put the issue on the ballot this November. Michigan Radio’s Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry will host a discussion on this controversial measure at Michigan Radio’s next Issues & Ale event on Monday, March 26 at Blackstone’s Pub in downtown Flint. The event starts at 6 p.m.

Michigan Radio has been sponsoring a set of public forums designed to bring experts on various issues together with the public in an informal, non-threatening way, a series called “Issues and Ale.“ I moderated one earlier this week that focused on education, held at the Wolverine Brewing Company in Ann Arbor. I was doubtful how many people would actually show up. This was on Tuesday night in what is really early winter, with the holidays approaching. To my surprise, however, before the evening was over it was standing room only, with people packing the hall.

Issues & Ale: How Michigan LearnsTuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, 6:30pmJack Lessenberry hosted this discussion and community conversation onthe future of K-12 education. What’s the best way to prepare today’sstudents for the global economy?

Issues & Ale: How will the Governor's budget affect you?Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 6:00-7:00 p.m.Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, Royal OakJack Lessenberry hosted this look at the Governor's proposedbudget and how it would affect Michigan citizens.